Guns and Mirrors

THIRTY-THREE

♕Harley Anderson♕

It wasn't my idea. In fact, as much as it's something that I've been wanting, its not something I thought was possible. However, Danté didn't see anything to lose if that was the case because he's the one who decided to ask Jack if we could leave California for the weekend.

And surprisingly the bastard agreed.

We left today- Friday- and have to be back at the gang on Monday. Although that isn't much time, it's more than enough for me and I can barely keep the relief inside when Danté tells me to pack my bags.

Given the fact that we're actually part of two gangs, Danté had to speak to Enrique as well who said that it was fine since it wasn't like Danté could do much in Cali anyway with him not fighting. While Danté had spoken to Enrique, I had mentioned to Lina what my brother said to me- about the whole 'bigger and better' thing with regards to the gang as well as the fact that Persephone is still in Pittsburgh. Lina had only nodded with a frown, telling me that she appreciates how I've put myself out there with my brother for the gang.

I didn't tell her it was for myself. To get myself and Danté out of this mess.

Now, climbing off of the plane into the dark night of Nevada- since I still had to do one race tonight- I let out a breath of fresh air. After collecting out luggage, Danté walks by my side to where my mom said she'd be waiting for us. Although this is a much needed trip and I've missed Olivia and Mia a lot, I'm nervous as to what she's going to say about me. The last time she saw me, I had only cut my hair and bleached it which she wasn't too happy about, but I didn't have a tattoo covering most of my back or a nose piercing. And I certainly wasn't a college dropout either.

Nor was I a member of a gang.

Along with her blaming Danté for my decisions, she hasn't been very fond of him from the very start which I'm sure has only intensified with the blame she's placed on him. In all honesty, I'm not sure why Danté chose to see my mom in Nevada when we could have visited Audrey and Caleb in Oregon instead. But I suppose he knows how much I miss my mom even though she can be incredibly difficult and hard on both me and Danté.

"It's cooler here." Danté comments and I'm slightly happier about that because it means I won't need to wear shirts so revealing that mom sees my tattoo.

Before I can respond, I hear my name and see a mop of black hair belting towards me before I am almost toppled over by Mia. Leaning down, I take her into a tight embrace, tears pricking my eyes at the smell of her familiar strawberry shampoo. I really have missed my little sister.

Mia and I have always being close- from the very day I started babysitting her. She's such a sweetheart although she is not easily intimidated and frightened. I suppose I wanted to be more like that when my father was beating me.

"I missed you so much." She says and I pull back to look at her, seeing fresh streaks of tears down her cheeks. Letting out a laugh, a few tears of my own escape and I wipe hers away before doing the same to my own.

"Hey, no crying. You know how much I hate crying." I say and she laughs, her blessing of perfect teeth being showcased. Ruffling her hair, she goes to Danté, embracing him in a hug as well. At least Mia has always liked him- from the very day he had waffles with us. While they exchange pleasantries, I move my attention to my mom who is watching me patiently.

Her black hair that was usually in a bun is now cut short- just below her ears- with a fringe. It's no longer only black but now rather has some strands of grey. However, despite that, she's looking the youngest she's ever looked and that brings me a completely different type of happiness.